Kingdom Hearts 2's Final Act is Brilliant

[@TheApple176]

It’s not just the final boss sequence, the whole final dungeon of the world that never was has yet to be topped as a final act for me.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I didn't really talk about it in this video but I agree! The whole World That Never Was is way too hype.

[@sasaki999pro]

I think it might just be the best world kingdom hearts has ever had. Kicking off with Axel's Death, you have Sora vs Roxas, and unlock the potential for final form. Then you infiltrate the castle and fight Xigbar, probably the aesthetically coolest member of the organization, sniping you through pocket rifts. Then BAM Kairi gets a keyblade and riku is back You fight two org. members BACK-TO-BACK. Then DiZ ansem reveal. RIKU. JOINS. THE PARTY. Xemnas rematch, plays the KH1 secret boss theme, and you recreate the fight scene from the secret ending. And THEN you have the final boss fight. ITS LOADED Front to Back with amazing content.

[@shadowmaster452]

Bro kh2 was pinnacle of kh in general, I'll never forget Sora slicing through buildings, doing gainers on floating buildings and finally literally flying to dodge those orbital level lasers, can't even forget that epic shot of him looking at the castle and then doing a moon jump and flying towards it. ALL OF THIS IS JUST FROM THE FIRST PHASE. Literally one of the most climatic endings in gaming, I can't blame kh3 for not going beyond that, it's an almost impossible task.

[@emanchi8403]

Imagine if Kh3 had Sora, Riku AND Kairi fighting Xehanort for the last climactic battle. Scala had so much potential for a final area.

[@fonnySavant]

YESS EXACTLY MY FAVORITE MOMENTS TO THE T ! 💯

[@AGGSab]

@@emanchi8403 yeah but they just had to make kairi a damsel in distress yet again.

[@XionXIV243]

Still after all this time Roxas and Namine reuniting through Sora and Kairi makes me want to cry and gives me the best kind of chills, the pause in the music so perfectly placed, the soft piano as all 4 of them see one another once again making me feel joy... but also the pain of knowing that both Namine and Roxas were doomed to never be their own self (at the time), the soft piano also managing to hit the bitter sweetness of it all, so many emotions mixing into the most perfect final cutscene for a game I have ever seen

[@Angrenost02]

It felt like the perfect ending for them. I get that people wanted to see more of them but as for me I didn't think it was necessary to bring them back in KH3

[@treymykel]

You're right and honestly I think Kingdom Hearts 3 ruined the ending that Roxas and Namine had because of how powerful it was and how it was them accepting their other halves to whole and be with each other once again. Now it's just kinda meh with Roxas and Namine having their own bodies it took away from the build up to what Kingdom Hearts 2 was stating with Nobodies and Unity

[@treymykel]

@@Angrenost02 Agreed like wtf it just was ruined smh

[@desiredignorance35]

My turn... I think Terra should have sacrificed himself to give the finale of KH3 a bit more weight. He wouldn't be dead for long. 🤷

[@Ria588]

Literally, seeing the ending for the first time really made me sob and cry like a baby

[@jayden9766]

7:42 I also noticed he says later on "Riku... are you certain you aren't jealous of Sora?" Trying to turn them against each other is such a cool villain thing

[@trick2jee]

I believe Riku actually says straight up he was jealous of Sora after the fight when they are on the beach. Just made me appreciate Riku that much more, I think he’s the best written character in the whole series.

[@Angrenost02]

KH2 had the perfect ending imo. I really really wish that it was the true end to the Darkseeker saga and what followed was a new story.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Yeah, things definitely got a little bit out there after this. I still enjoyed it, but it hasn't hit the same since.

[@xMojaveDream]

@@TheAshenDragoon Definitely this. I definitely enjoyed the most of the games that came after 2, but part of what made Kingdom Hearts 3 such a let-down for me was the fact that it ended open-ended and without clarity. It didn't feel like the conclusion to a book, it felt more like the author trying to sequel bait. Although KH2 still ends with King Mickey giving the Destiny Trio that bottle, the cinematography implies a sort of "and they live happily ever after, going on adventures". Compare this to KH3, where everyone also ends happily in that game, but Sora just kind of peaces out without explanation (that was, until the DLC was released). In my eyes, especially after Melody of Memories (personally I find it insulting that I'd have to play a rhythm game just to understand the story. Yes, there were gameplay shakeups throughout the franchise, but they all stuck to a sort of ARPG), KH1, CoM, and KH2 will be where the franchise rests. BBS, KH3, etc. fail to wrap up the "Darkseeker Saga" in any sort of meaningful way.

[@alvarosanchez8470]

@@TheAshenDragoon Agree, I still see some merit in BBS and Days, it's nice to see the origin of some important characters, and they are good form a "world building" perspective. Yet again building more narrative form those titles was a mistake imho. It also bothers me how the whole point of Roxas arc in KH2 was accepting that merging back with Sora wasn't something but, he wasn't disappearing, just becoming whole again. Roxas was an incomplete being without Sora, and Sora was incomplete aswell without him, and coming in terms with that fact would make both of them happy again. Then in 3D they where like: "Screw it, Roxas was suffering all along, we need to save him!"

[@tempest2789]

@@alvarosanchez8470 KH2 never implied that Roxas was going to be happy when he merged back with Sora. Quite the opposite, he never wanted to, he just accepted his fate. Hell, he even fought Sora in the Dive To The Heart just to see why Sora deserved to exist, but not him. I also think it's very much in character for Sora to say "You gave your life for me, but I can't accept that. You deserve to live too". Sora wanting to repay the kindess Roxas showed him is a very Sora thing to do.

[@dytgyfgyffuh243]

It really should have ended with kingdom hearts 2

[@boxcar9407]

I will absolutely replay the entirety of Kingdom Hearts 2 just to get the proper buildup to the final battle. Absolute masterpiece.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I've heard so many people say that recently XD

[@boxcar9407]

Sora and Riku's heartfelt friendship and ability to essentially be okay with suffering in hell because he has his closest friend is the only thing in this series that rips tears away from me.

[@boxcar9407]

The way Riku's pride is softly rebuttled by Sora as he helps his friend get to the beach to hear the waves is so beautiful. How they both confess their insecuritites and are so kind to eachother. It really is beautiful.

[@pascalcasimier7748]

KH2 has my favorite ending in a video game. I got teary eyed with how satisfying it is on a character and thematic level. And oml The After the Battle version of Sanctuary is just the cherry on top. This is ART

[@kiyasuihito]

Awesome. Well said. This was my all time favorite KH sequence as well, possibly my all time in all of gaming. I remember crying as a pubescent preteen. I love how games can tell such powerful and impactful stories.

[@migicalmerwee9018]

I love how during the event of KH1, CoM, and KH2, there's been this ongoing question of if Sora is better than Riku(mostly in 1, but there are hints of in in the other 2). But for this final battle, it doesn't matter. They are up against an opponent that neither of them could bean on their own, and all their past conflict of replaced with trust. That being said, while kingdom Hearts 2 in definitely top 5, my favorite game ending is MGS3: Snake Eater.

[@quangotango8061]

as a kid i made a bunch of different save files for each boss in the game, but my very first save file right before xemnas was the one i played the most

[@BrotherShield]

The Beginning was also brilliant as well, we did not know who Roxes is (for those who did not play chain of memories) then he became a fan fav after we see his story, very few games has matched raw emotional feels of Kingdom hearts 2, that's why its the best in the series.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

It was funny to see how many people initially were confused with why the game started with Roxas, then become attached to him.

[@BrotherShield]

@@TheAshenDragoon Something they need to do with Yozora

[@MegaSpideyman]

@Brother Shield Well, I don't know if Chain of Memories even explains it.

[@BrotherShield]

@@MegaSpideyman We still see him in the end of the game but your not wrong

[@alejandroserrano7755]

In my opinion, it was such a smart move. Everybody was waiting to finally play as Sora again and bam they give you Roxas. Heck I still remember a lot of my friends thinking it was a new protagonist. It also makes the game feel new and memorable right of the jump.

[@goodfella3952]

Perfect ending to a perfect game

[@Loner098]

So...like Chrono Trigger levels of a perfect ending?

[@mintman325]

This game has never lost its shine now nearly 20 years later I come back to it constantly.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

It's insane how well it holds up to the modern landscape of gaming!

[@TLiebCNV]

I’ll never forget playing this when I was in the 5th grade. Being so young I couldn’t fully understand the feelings being explained towards the end with riku and sora. But replaying KH2 on critical back in 2021, I appreciated that final boss fight so much more. The music was SO DAMN GOOD, it gives me chills to this day, it’s psychedelic and has a lot of spiritual significance to it. You nailed it with this video man.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Thank you so much!

[@bryantdiaz-torres5761]

I’ve been playing games for almost 3 decades. I’ve played amazing masterpieces, average yet memorable adventures, and horrible time wasters. I’ve probably played about 700 games, or more. One thing I can tell you is the KH2 is the best game ever. I can play that game in my sleep, blind folded, or with one hand. I live, eat and breath KH2. It’s a game that has taught me multiple lessons in life. I love everything from playing as Roxas in the tutorial, to the final boss, and the data org battles.

[@down2earth485]

Definitely what got me in KH2 was just Soras maturity. By the end of KH2 Soras' power was at its peak, and his confidence was obvious like you said. In KH3 he was just kinda.. jokey and weak? KH2 Sora foreward into KH3 would be a completely different game.

[@snowarmth]

I have watched so many Kingdom Hearts analyses, and this one didn't disappoint! It put me in the mindset enough for me to realize that the segment at 6:11 is probably meant to be reminiscent of the Gummi Ship, where the goal was to justify all those earlier Gummi Ship segments by making the skills earned there valuable in the final battle. Anyway, great video! I hope it gets some publicity!

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I didn't even think about the parallels to the gummi ship segments! That does put some things into perspective.

[@caseydavis4335]

This game is perfect and will always be my top 1. I watched my brother finish the first game and played it myself to see what it was about and I was just amazed at everything the game offered. When I heard there was a second Kingdom Hearts I wasn't sure if it would be as good as the first but it was an experience I'll never forget.

[@JapanFreak2595]

The way I view the first three games (KH1, CoM, 2 respectively) is that it’s the Journey Home saga. As in the main goal was to search for your friends and return home. In that vain, KH2’s ending will forever be timeless. So much so that I consider it a good jumping off point for anyone who doesn’t want to get in too deep with series. Though the Journey saga falls in the middle of the Dark Seeker saga, the latter doesn’t truly begin until Birth by Sleep, since that feels like a new journey being taken by choice instead circumstances outside of the Destiny Trios control. Especially since KH is an allegory for growing up in some regards, going home doesn’t always mean things will be the same as they were, and the different responses to that reality.

[@dijonpsalm6938]

Was telling my friends the other day, that Kingdom hearts 2 had the best final sequence and ending of any game I could really remember. Especially any PS2 game. They really went all out. When I think of amazing/masterclass video game endings. I can't think of anything really other than kh2. Also a big fan of kh1 because of simple and clean.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

The rush of nostalgia and emotions I get from simple & clean is unreal!

[@Thomaskh7]

Thanks man. Im not very good at talking and i rant a lot but you perfectly put into words why the ending of this game is my favorite of any other

[@MythicalWombat]

3:23 "Continuous Rising Tension" I see what you did there

[@isaacarmstrong8295]

Yeah KH2 is my all time fav game. The story, characters, pacing, and gameplay were all just top notch. Great video man!

[@chozochiefxiii3298]

Considering kh2 was planned to originally be the ending of kingdom hearts, it makes sense that it feels so complete. It was supposed to be the end of the story.

[@187btokes]

The slowed down Hikaru Utada tracks at the end of both games are so super emotional. I remember I was 9 years old when I beat KH1 and I cried so hard lol.

[@Riwul]

Even after all these years that ive kinda forgotten about the end of kh2 the wind up for sanctuary just brought me back to the first time finishing the game after struggling with it as a kid and almost crying watching this final cutscene. Ive personally experienced kh 358/2 days before playing 2 to the finish and the glimps of namine and roxas reuniting just as the other 3 do just hits me in a softspot every time. especially the first 2 titles with the surrounding background titles like 358/2 days really are some of the best stories told in video gaming to this day for me.

[@Nyzer_]

For all the flaws that the story of this game has, the ending is one of the reasons that it's hard to actually feel like the story was bad, to feel like the experience was subpar. The ending is done so well, on so many levels, that even if you felt dissatisfied by some of the story elements leading up to that point, you're still one hundred percent on board once those credits roll.

[@acquire8658]

I finished this game so many times and I can still cry when reaching that ending. Even after playing KH3.

[@alejandroserrano7755]

KH 1 will forever be my favorite game of all times. Every single thing of that game is ingraned in my mind. Such an unique game. KH 2 was everything I liked about the first game just amped up. More epic, more enemies, just amazing.

[@lomein7770]

Grateful that kh2 was one of those games I used to play all the time as a kid, one of the greatest games of all time imo

[@KMsandwich]

When I was a kid, I never played Kingdom Hearts 2. I played the original 1, 358, re:coded and DDD and I loved them all-but I never got that closure for roxas and namine as characters until I played KH2 two years ago. The years of build up and tragedies that happened to some of my favorite characters, finally resolved in the one game I missed in their timeline... I cried until the credits stopped rolling. I don't think I'll ever forget Kingdom Hearts. These characters and this story and the music have all touched my life permanently and that will never go away.

[@proletaariat]

Good take. That final boss run is epic. The music is perfection, and KH2'e end game left the biggest impact in my life that no other game has matched.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Yoko is so good at setting the stage for epic finales! Her music is incredible.

[@DowntownTasty]

And yeah it’s absolutely perfect that sora and Riku are the only ones fighting xemnas. It’s fantastic.

[@koopakingjr87]

Playing it back when I was 14/15, it was one of the first times I felt I played a game that was worthy of being a sequel. It kept what made 1 great and improved on it I’m every way. Such a fantastic game, even to this day. I wish 3 would of stuck the landing the same way.

[@buffruhdy]

Everything about the final act is perfect. I consider the final act to be as soon as you step into Twilight Town for the last time. The death of Axel sets the tone for the World That Never Was. The final conflict with Roxas and the organization. And that final boss is sooooo good. The part where sora slices the building into pieces was the most hype moment for me when I was a kid. The third part of Darkness of the Unknown (where Yoko is going ham on the evil sounding piano) is my favorite boss theme in any game. The lazer dome is easily one of the most iconic final moves in gaming. It’s easy but as a kid I was afraid I would mess up or drop my controller. It’s a tense moment even though all you’re doing is just hammering two buttons. Also the ending with Sanctuary playing never fails to make me tear up. It’s such a solid ending. Kh2 is still the best one and probably always will be.

[@TheNumberThirteenxiii]

There really is something special about this game. The gameplay is amazing, top tier, but the music is also amazing, the story is amazing and the character design is top notch. I don’t think the world is ever gonna see a game THIS good ever again. This was a beautiful summation of this games legacy. You definitely have a new subscriber.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I'm glad that you enjoyed the video, Thanks for watching!

[@HopeEsleim1101]

For me, this is the best ending sequence for any video game ever. KH2 is legendary

[@ILL-BANJO]

I remember the day when I finished this game, I was eleven. I've never played anything else that powerful again!

[@heartofawolf88]

There was also a part where Xemnas asked Riku, "Are you sure you're not jealous of Sora?" something that was implied in the original Kingdom Hearts and after that battle, the very thing that Riku confessed to while on the Beach of Nothingness.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

YESSSS, I didn't mention that in this video but that totally does happen. These two lines really make the ending on the beach hit that much harder!

[@FriendofFantasy]

Kingdom Hearts has always and will always be my favorite video game franchise. I just love these characters

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I always go back and forth between KH & FF. I think kingdom hearts are my favorite games while final fantasy is my favorite franchise. Everybody can be winners today.

[@E11-l3n]

This analysis did exactly what it was supposed to. It made me go back into my initial thoughts as a child playing the final act. Everything you’ve says was 100 percent on point. This is truly the best ending in all of gaming. I have yet to encounter a better final boss. Thanks for the vid 🙏🏼

[@E11-l3n]

Said*

[@ReaperShackal]

Kingdom Hearts 2 is gaming perfected. There is nothing else like it. There will never be anything else like it.

[@EhllEvans]

KH2 came out around the same time I found out my mom had cancer and my sister had passed away. As a kid I didn’t know how to process it, so I just kinda buried myself into this game to escape. A story about a boy that would do anything to not be seen as a “nobody”. A boy fighting to be happy with his loved ones again… just like me. I can’t really describe how important this series, especially this game, is to me. Thank you for making this video & reminding me I have somebody special waiting for me on Destiny Island. 💜

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Thank you for sharing this comment. It was touching.

[@mightbeanerd]

Later games kinda make xemnas a worse villain, but when I replay kh2 I just forget the later games ever happened. It still makes me feel the same feelings I had the first time I played it, I replay both kingdom hearts 1 and 2 at least once a year and they're both always a blast, and the endings in both leave me tearing up.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I totally agree that the later games definitely ruin Xemnas for me!

[@SunsetJam]

Honestly, the funniest part of this analysis, for me, is just how similar Dragoon's and (English) Xemnas' voices are. It's like he's reviewing his own boss battle. lol

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Yooo multiple people have said this XD. Maybe I am Xemnas!

[@SunsetJam]

@@TheAshenDragoon Yeah. Just lower the voice pitch a bit more, speak a bit slower, and you can start building the True (Totally For Real This Time) Organization XIII. lmao

[@Dalinzir]

Ahh I can't help but shed a tear whenever I revisit this game. It's just so nostalgic and emotional. The ending cutscene with Sora and Riku, and then the reunion with all their friends is just too much to handle. I'll make sure my future kids play these games lol

[@TheAshenDragoon]

The older I get the more emotional this series makes me. Feels like the games gain a different meaning or perspective as I age.

[@corys3400]

Fantastic video. Thank you for the fresh perspective.

[@gravityjedi]

Thats a good point. Its the "but one more" final boss trope where it's actually tye villain you know as the final final boss.

[@zack_ry_mo]

Beautiful video, KH2 is my personal favorite game of all time with Xemnas as my most liked character, and his theme as the best score in the franchise. Great job putting this together.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Xemnas really was a fascinating character!

[@ItsYaBoyMrSatan]

Great Video, man. Feels like I'm starved for good KH content and then this video pops up on my recommended. Hell yeah

[@comboreset]

just recently saw a tweet where someone asked what was the best ending for a game and i immediately thought of kh2 as well. not a single game in the series has touched this ending, although if 358/2 days was remade it MIGHT come close 😭 darkness of the unknown is an almost, if not flawless final boss song, the final phase where you fight xemnas is a song that i could never forget. then after the final boss battle having sanctuary send off everything with the happy ending was just a cherry on top! the fact that it was able to stick with you enough to make a video like this just shows how impactful it was to people, it's truly a masterpiece

[@Graciousgates]

Watching this video makes want to fly home, dig through my old basement for my OG PS2, dust this game off and beat it again. This video slaps!

[@michaelhubbard4301]

Kh2 is my favorite, but I do have to say I love the keyblade bonuses and designs in the third one

[@TheMicroNinja]

You've got a sick channel name! Nothing will ever be cooler than Sora slicing through multiple buildings, or the absolute INSANITY that is the final laser deflection, absolute masterpiece of an ending for sure. The closing of so many story beats, and the dichotomy between the two strongest Nobodies we know of. The music in the Xemnas fight is some of the best in the SERIES, the way it transitions from the beginning, to the dragon fight, to the solo 2v1, its soooo good. If you haven't already, I would listen to the 2.5 remix of his theme, I think it's way, way better than the original, as it's fully orchestrated and just feels so much more grand. "Well there is one advantage to being me.. something you could never imitate. Having you for a friend." It is cheesy, in my opinion, but it's one of my favorite lines in the entire series. Kingdom Hearts thrives when it's unapologetically passionate. It shows that maybe it *isn't* so cheesy to "show your heart", so to speak. Sorry for the long comment. I just love the series a bunch and caught your video, and really enjoyed it. Great video, keep up the good work! You've earned my sub. Looking forward to your next vid.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I appreciate the comment! When I was younger, I never really understood it, but I really like how KH isn't afraid to tackle the male friendship head on. In society, often boys and men are told to not show emotion, to not let their loved ones know how important they are. This particularly applies to the friendship between two males. While we may not have known it, Kingdom Hearts shows us why it's not only okay, but extremely important to express ourselves to our loved ones.

[@nightcaller92]

One very minor thing that I really like about KH2's finale is that, because of the Eternal Session limit, and specifically the way it opens with Riku making the first strike, you can effectively give Riku the killing blow on the final boss, and I love that

[@ixpra]

best video game series ever and it’s just so peak, I love it

[@strikerwott1222]

ONE OF MY FAVORITE VIDEO GAME FINAL BOSS FIGHTS AND ENDINGS OF ALL TIME!!! I love everything about this final boss fight and the ending, just so many feelings and emotions, Sanctuary playing in the background, and the nostalgia as well, it makes me feel so many things! KH2 is my fav ever in the series next to Birth by Sleep, and it’ll always be not just my fav KH game, but one of my favorite video games of all time! Amazing analysis btw!!!

[@Dragon_Mastr1]

Kingdom Hearts 2 is the best in the series, and it did everything right. I was basically raised on this franchise and I absolutely love it. Kingdom Hearts will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@ItsJesMe]

God I love the end version of Sanctuary.... Even it being in the bg gives me goosebumps.

[@michealdeshawn8061]

For all the convoluted storylines and weird fighting mechanics and overpowered abilities and broken magic and all that shit, Kingdom Hearts is so freaking good. It has it problems and its confusing almost needlessly but god damn it I love this game. I'm so glad I got to play KH1 and KH2 as a big part of my gaming development early in my life. Early 2000s was such a unique time for gaming. No need for ridiculous high graphics or cutting edge gameplay or eye gouging DLC and season passes for profit. A good heartwarming story and a little craziness gave us the most unique franchise I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying.

[@joyconboyz4525]

This just reinforces that Kingdom Hearts 2 is a masterpiece despite its flaws

[@JimmyMcGinger]

Thanks Algorithm for finding me something good! Great video! I try not to put too much stock into endings as I find that people will let a bad ending ruin a fantastic journey, but KH2s is wonderful and you really captured why.

[@matthewcarino7353]

This was an exceptional video and KH2 has always been my favorite game ever since I was like 5 or 6. I honestly thought you had thousands of subscribers with how professional this was!

[@TheAshenDragoon]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@zurao]

I finished kh2 for the 3rd time just today cuz i'm building up to kh3 and it was as good of an experience as i remember it being

[@jordanboesch18]

Great video I’m glad this came up on my recommendations, genuinely a professional made video

[@michaelbrent1536]

Yep, kingdom hearts 2 was the first game I ever played and I got to say I really wish they ended there

[@briang3598]

Later games don't necessarily lead me to lessen my appreciation for this ending- rather, this game and its ending lead me to see those later games as non-canonical/counter-canonical character-butchering.

[@solseamoss]

I played most PS2 games, most PS3 games and most PS4 games "KH3 included". Out of all of these games, KH2 was the only that made me cry when I beat it.

[@harristhesecondcomin]

KH2 is my second favorite video game of all time and easily the best in the franchise story and gameplay were perfect and has never been properly duplicated in the sequels thus far. Here's hoping KH 4 experience will at least match KH2.

[@deathoftheoldme8645]

I still remember finishing the game for the first time and enjoying it so much like it’s the perfect finale 😭

[@TheAshenDragoon]

The memories of the first time beating this game for the first time are for sure burned into my head.

[@Loner098]

When it comes to the most satisfying endings, the best I've seen were Chrono Trigger, Mario and Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Super Mario RPG, Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling, and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Chrono Trigger did wrap up nicely though I suppose it somewhat depends on which ending that you got.

[@Loner098]

@@TheAshenDragoon Obviously the best ending was the "Beyond Time" ending (Too Far Away Times), where end up riding the Epoch to see what the others are doing after you saved the future but saddening knowing that an "Epoch" adventure like this one can never happen again. It's quite a shame an ending like this can never truly be concluded in Chrono Cross. The thing with Chrono Cross is that it is a very bold choice for a sequel to such an awesome game. This game didn't seem to revolve so much around time travel and instead focused on alternate dimensions while still taking place in the same world as Chrono Trigger. The pacing is also said to be strange too, but didn't *exactly* seem like an ending. Something important to note is that there was originally gonna be a THIRD entry into the Chrono series called Chrono Break but that game got cancelled when most of its development team had to leave to go work on Final Fantasy 11 or leave in favor of freelance work of some kind. So in the end, the Chrono series seemingly just ends on a *permanent* cliffhanger.

[@polyman6859]

Cold take incoming, this was the peak of the series.

[@chrisash9809]

KH2 has been my favorite game since I was a kid. In my opinion it is a perfect game

[@ilovechy1212]

This was a pretty good video

[@sonofbelz]

Xemnas really doesn't get nearly enough credit in the "all time best final bosses" category.

[@tenjiechin]

My 2nd favorite final act in a game is mgs 4. That kicked ass and pulled on every string the previous games strung up

[@JordanGordon8]

Great video maaaaan, really good stuff

[@patrickmcknight2394]

YESSS !! “ WE SHALL GO TOGETHER THEN!”

[@sacr3dseeker]

Great video!

[@SSJRadioBluth]

Excellent breakdown. Liked. Subscribed. Will forever be the greatest game in my life. As someone who lost their best friend in front of my eyes the year this game came out. Nothing ever hit so hard. As when Sora bent down and said: I looked for you. I looked everywhere for you. I didn't even finish the game that year because I went down s dark path that had me in jail at age 14. So I wouldn't see this scene until almost two years later, after which I cried for hours. Without this game I can't even imagine where I'd be. I'm sure I wouldn't be here without it. From the Invasion of Radiant Garden until Fantasia Alla Marcia (the for Piano, chorus, and orchestra version being my favorite piece of music ever). No game takes it's audience as serious. No matter what kind of life you live there's something for everyone. Like Axel's dark redemption. When he died saying: I just wanted to see my friend again. Then him realizing he made a new friend too late to enjoy time with. How dare they make us fall in love with someone they just ripped from our lives. Riku carries all the weight of his actions from the last game, and then he accepts his fate with a smile. The Assault of the Dreadnought made me feel like I'm Like Skywalker trying to prevent the destruction of Alderaan as you know that thing is headed straight for Radiant Garden, and then you fight a dragon the size of a city. (Which you know exactly where it came from as you killed the heartless dragon they worked so hard to create earlier). It never slows down and treats it's audience with full respect. Roxas' and Namine's acceptance, Maleficent and Xemnas spitting at each other to control Radiant Garden only for both sides to fail. While hinting she invaded and beat Xemnas' controlled Radiant Garden once before. But this time she's not relying on darkness and even she stakes her control of the universe on Sora and Riku. So many satisfying character arcs. Then you get to the credits and the tenth time you watch you realize that it's not actually credits but it's a POV of Sora introducing his two best friends to his other friends that heard so much about them. (Aladdin, Jasmine and genie even look directly at the camera as they try to keep up with what is clearly the gummi ship). I always joke to my girlfriend that Sora and Kairi are probably the second people out on the dance floor in Beast's Castle. Since you know Sora was thinking about it twice. The final walk through the secret place confirms it was Kairi's perspective and not his since he finally appears. There's a reason that it starts with Mickey, Donald and Goofy being dropped off. We all know who captains that ship. And HE KEEPS HIS PROMISE TO SAIL TO NEW WORLDS WITH HIS BEST FRIENDS. Literal perfection. Can't be topped just equaled.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Wow thank you for sharing your story. Though many people see them as temporary distraction and "a waste of time", I am always in awe of how much video games can impact our lives. I also had zero idea about the credits. I'm going to have to rewatch them now with a different perspective!

[@SSJRadioBluth]

@@TheAshenDragoon Honestly. I'm proud to share how much an impact this beautiful story had on me. I play it way more often than I care to admit. I think my longest save file was 193 hours. 😂😂 Once I noticed that wait.... Genie, Mickey, Donald, Pluto and Goofy were just on Destiny Islands... And Scrooge, Huey, Dewey and Louie were on Radiant Garden. Then remember the lanes between are closed and the literal first scene is The Disney trio along with Pluto and the triplets appearing in front of the Queen. Only one person could have made that journey since RIKU can't open a portal to the dark realm anymore. I won't change the rest of the scenes because the third game proves that the final ending scenes were Riku flying world to world to bring everybody together and I just started balling there too. As the Twilight Town group made it to the beach finally, you don't know it's Riku until he picks up Namine and you don't know it's Kairi until you see Sora. 😭😭😭😭 Love. It's the best part of the series. Best believe Riku smashed right there in the cockpit. 😂(I was getting too emotional).

[@BladedArrowTBGamer]

When they inveitably remake the original 2 (maybe even CoM) KH games I believe this will be the most epic battle ever using modern technology.

[@HeartlessSlayer]

I'm gonna have to burst the bubble here and say I was always mixed about this final act as I have been with the entire game. Certainly wouldn't say terrible, but this was left to be desired imo. I get thematically how it was built up on a grand scale, but after the wonky execution of everything else from the misuage of Disney worlds retelling movies, slow pacing, awkward dialogues and acting, floaty combat that relies more on flash than substance that can be compared to God of War, I didn't get anything from this even though I could tell what it was leading up to. I got more emotionally invested with KH1's and KH3's final bosses since I actually felt the tension in those. Not to mention that unless have a lot of time, the length of this whole boss battle can leave a LOT of players irritated. And I know people will say that KH3 retconned this happy ending, but I hate to say it but KH2 was just as guilty for building up future stories as what KH3 was doing its job for with setting up the next arc. But then again, KH2 is somehow this "holy grail" that to say otherwise makes one a heretic.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I can respect your opinion. I definitely think the dragon section in particular takes FOREVER. But to me it just worked. I'm glad you shared your perspective!

[@getampt22]

This video encapsulated everything I feel about the final act. KH2 has the perfect ending. In my head it's the end of KH.

[@Nicholas_Lee25]

the ending of kingdom hearts 2 is not only the best ending in the kingdom Hearst series but one of the best video game endings of all time in my opinion

[@ClouderSavage]

"Sora's gamer instincts are tingling" 😂

[@shadenchaser746]

KH2 is a comedy, while all the other games are tragedies. It is the only one where you feel like everything is tied up. Sora, Riku, and Kairi are back home. Roxas and Naminé have returned to their original forms. They could go back to “normal”. KH1: Sora, Donald, Goofy are separated from their friends and must continue his journey. CoM: Sora sacrifices his memory of Naminé to get his other memories back, and Riku chooses to maintain his connection to darkness in order to protect him. 358/2 Days: Roxas had to leave and fight his best friends in order to live, only to be captured and forced to return to Sora. BBS: They tell you it’s a Tragedy right in the Tutorial. Coded: The event that caused Micky to send the letter to Sora, Riku, and Kairi, and ask them to give up their well earned “normal lives”. DDD: Sora loses his powers (again). The person that uprooted their lives in the first place is back. BBS 0.2: Aqua’s internal struggles made reality KH3: The heroes win. But at a cost. Re:Mind: The hero wins. But at a cost MoM: Recap of the past, and setup for the future. UX and DR: War, Betrayal, and Tragedy

[@TheAshenDragoon]

That is wild. I've never actually stopped to think that this is the only game in the series that has an ending with a neat "bow tie" on it.

[@kingdanett4043]

I think KH2 is also the best example of a mid game too. A ton of characters are coming out to fight an ongoing threat of endless heartless, the organization starts to even tick off Sora, goofy dies (for 2 minutes), mickey saying "youll pay for this", you get to fight with cloud, which then brings you to the infamous for a reason 1000 heartless battle that in combination with everything else is the most epic 30min-1hour of gameplay ever. And then it gets better from there as you finally see the main bad and he tells you that all those 1000 heartless and all the other ones you've killed before are all fueling his goal. Then you're sent off to go to the previous worlds with your current knowledge and fight the organization members while also trying to grasp whether you should be killing heartless still while there are a toooon more and Kairi is still captured and Riku might be here? And it's sooooo gooood!

[@TheAshenDragoon]

At first I thought you were saying that the game was "mid" bahaha... Had me scared for a second! Honestly the more I think about it after reading your comment, the more I really agree with you. In general KH2 was just so good. They don't make many games like that anymore 🥲

[@pythonking16.59]

Funny, that cutscene at 7:15 was not in the original KH2 game, they just jumped right into combat. It's a nice addition, since otherwise Namine is barely addressed in this game past the Roxas segment in the beginning; when Sora wakes up they read their diary with the note saying "Thank Namine", they realize they dont remember who she is, then go on about their quest lol

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Wow that is a fun fact that I did not know!

[@Daichi82]

KH III ending had a similar feeling until that particular moment.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I feel like the fact that there was extreme exposition and plot dumps right before the KH3 sequence brings it down a bit for me. A ton of cool stuff happened but I couldn't catch my breath through that whirlwind.

[@Daichi82]

@@TheAshenDragoon I died inside with KH III ending until the secret trailer ruined it.

[@geoffreygoncalves931]

At the very least, this final act and the prologue are one of the extremely rare things this game does even midly right.

[@talleywa5772]

And don't even get me on "Darkness of the Unknown" and how it is easily one of... If not THE greatest boss track in gaming (the other promise is right next to it on that list). The first eight bars of the third movement juxtaposed with Xemnas's body language before the final fight is impeccable. The fact that the piano track from the first movement is copied and slowed down for the third to reflect the grim determination from both parties, with a chorale dominating the upper register calling back to "The Other Promise" and the same resolution we felt from Roxas. That almost circus-esque organ/accordion against Armored Xemnas 2 is also used in other tracks, most notably "the 13th struggle" calling back to Roxas and his battles against Axel, against Sora, and now finally against Xemnas. We didn't need a third act boss fight for Roxas but we got one anyway through a single instrument choice. Fffuck it's so good. I'm gonna go replay this shit.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I didn't have a good spot to put it in the video but that musical callback to the "Roxas battles" is such a nice touch. Glad I'm not the only one who noticed it!

[@Duncadinca]

It's funny, being in the KH fanbase for so long, I've seen poll after poll on which final boss in the series is the best and Xemnas wins so consistently that it's brutal. As much as some people dislike the pacing of this game, I never felt the finale was rushed, instead I felt all the build up up to this point. I mention this in my own vid a little, but the final boss of 3 felt so unlike a final boss that I couldn't help but feel a little jarred by it. Good video, particularly like the comment on Sora's increased confidence.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I’ll check your video out!

[@Duncadinca]

@@TheAshenDragoon That would be spectacular

[@loli-knightxardej2252]

Dude, YES. Ever since first playing KH2 way back in highschool I thought the ending was damn near perfect. Organization 13 and Xemnas at the end were just delightful. Heck, the ending to most KH games were pretty great, but 2 blows them all out of the water. It REALLY makes you wonder what in the bloody heck happened with KH3- the bland story, the Disney worlds not mattering, villains having all sorts of heel turns and personality changes, all the plot holes and rushing, our big bad turning out to just be a misunderstood guy with good intentions all along, etc. I continue to replay the franchise frequently, but I always skip out on 3 for being such an abomination. Good job calling attention to the music too. The tracks for all of the Ansem/Xemnas/Young Xehenort/etc tracks were beyond fantastic. Hell, iconic even. Though, again, can't remember squat about the tracks from 3. Also loved the "we'll go together" line. I've repeated that one for shits and giggles for years now. Never saw your videos before this one, but you're definitely my kind of guy. Good stuff, man.

[@sigalli985]

I do agree with most of this but I will say to me kh3 had one of if not the best soundtrack in all of kh for me

[@loli-knightxardej2252]

@@sigalli985 The music wasn't bad from what little I can remember. I just don't remember any new standout tracks. That might be because all of the best ones were just remixes of the godly Ansem/Xenhenort/Xemnas ones again. But yeah, soundtrack quality is the one thing that can probably never be taken from this series.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I think one of the best new tracks from KH3 was Scala ad Caelum!

[@TheBlueLink3]

KH2 and KH3 have a lot of similar problems and areas where they excel. Honestly, even KH1 shares in some of these similarities. KH3 is no more of an abomination than what came before it. Also, Xehanort was always set up as a well intentioned “good guy”, all the way back in BbS.

[@TransPandaArt]

Speaking as an OSDD system, the way Roxas and Namine ended up felt more akin to alters in someone's body than merging essences? Perhaps it's bias speaking, but for them to declare they "beat the odds" and "still exist", explicitly see each other in the last cinematic, and be the stark contrast to Xemnas... that doesn't feel like a tragedy? They're parts that make up a whole, not water added to the bucket. Roxas got absorbed at the start and he was still kicking by the end as a separate entity mentally, after all! He gets tuesdays now that's ice cream truck day. Salty, but sweet. Just like Roxas and Namine's ending.

[@evanunhinged5771]

God, Kingdom Hearts 2 was SO good ;-; Still my favorite installation in the series by far, and for good reason

[@alvarosanchez8470]

I never got why so many JRPG just switch final bosses in the last second, specially after all this years. Build up is very important, that's why Sephirot, Kefka, Lavos etc. are so memorable, you spent the whole game chasing them, activilly confronting them, knowing their history and motivations behind their actions. There are so many JRPG's with second to last bosses that are way more memorable than their final bosses, Kuja, you know who from Persona 4, Seymour and you know who from FFX... Man I just realised that Square is a real hit or miss with this topic.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Yeah I really can't fathom why they can't avoid this temptation either. Maybe it just resonates with the Japanese playerbase/culture more?

[@barokmeca]

It definitely effects how I see this ending. All of the following titles basically do everything they can to undermine this ending and it's sad.

[@Unovachamp]

To the question what the best final act in gaming is: of course this is heavily subjective but I think the final act of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of the best and I agree KH2 is up there as well. Both have amazing build ups throughout the games and both endings feel genuinely satisfying.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

I've tried to get into xenoblade 1 a couple of times, but I just don't feel like the game is very respectful of the player's time. How much content and and playtime the game requires is just too daunting for me.

[@Unovachamp]

@@TheAshenDragoon the Xenoblade Games are very long yes. I'd say Xenoblade is a niche franchise in general. I always say it's likely that you won't enjoy the Xenoblade games because of their art style, gameplay and long play time but if you like it it's very likely that it becomes one of your favourite franchises and that happened to me lol. Just adore the worlds, music, characters and stories but I can completely understand everyone who doesn't like it because of its uniqueness. Anyway sorry for the long reply lol and have nice day :)

[@DowntownTasty]

Kh2 is probably the best game out of all of them. Sora character is great too and the final act is so well choreographed. A lot of retcons happened afterwards but I still think even the new games are great too.

[@TheAshenDragoon]

Yeah... That's about where I stand as well. I appreciate what the newer games are trying to do but it does hurt a little bit every time I think about how it somewhat spoils this perfect ending.